What’s the Difference between Chablis and Chardonnay?

For a wine to be true Chablis, it must be made from the chardonnay grapes grown in the Chablis area of France. While the name is used to describe white wines in other parts of the world, these wines use the lower case letter c in the name to distinguish them from true Chablis. Only France can create true Chablis. The name Chablis has become synonymous with white wine in the same way that Champagne is used to describe sparkling white wines.

The wines that are made in other parts of the world that carry the Chablis name must contain at least eighty percent chardonnay grapes grown in the Chablis region of France.
The areas where the grapes are grown for Chablis come from the Burgundy region of France in a growing area that surrounds the town of Chablis. The weather in the region can have a dramatic impact on the grapes in this growing area. In cooler weather, the grapes do not fully ripen, but when the weather remains warmer, the vines produce perfect grapes that are made into fabulous Chablis.

Chablis is a very dry white wine that distinguishes it from other white wines produced in the Burgundy region. The wines have a distinctive mineral quality that set them apart from other types of white wine. It is believed that the soil in the region is responsible for the distinctive flavour of Chablis.

Chardonnay, on the other hand, can be grown anywhere, but must be made from the specific chardonnay grape. The standards for labelling a wine chardonnay are not as stringent as Chablis and you will find great variations in many of the wines produced all over the world. It is best to get to know the producers of the wines you are consuming to learn which produce wine from the greatest percentage of chardonnay grapes.  It is possible to get a chardonnay from any part of the world.

The differences between the wines are essential lessons for a beginner in wine appreciation. Very dry white wines such as Chablis may be difficult for a beginner to appreciate if they are sipped on their own. It is better to sample them with food to bring out their full flavour.
Beginners should look for an upper case c on the label to be sure that they are getting true Chablis to sample. While there are many white wines to sample, but those who are interested in sampling the best wines in the world should make sure to try true Chablis to appreciate the difference. The distinctions between wines can become confusing, but once you learn how to distinguish between the various types of wine, they can all be enjoyed for their own unique flavours.

Take some time to learn about the wines that you serve in your home. Your knowledge of wines will help you select the perfect wine for your guests. Once you learn how to distinguish wines, you will be sure to pair the correct wine with the right foods.